Pavement finisher



Sept. 8, 1964 w, H LEWIS 3,147,678

PAVEMENT FINISHER Original Filed July 22, 195'? 6 Sheecs-Shee(l lMiur/i675 Sept. 8, 1964 w. H. LEWIS PAVEMENT FINISHER 6 Sheets-Sheet 2Original Filed July 22 Sept. 8, 1964 w. H. I Ewls 3,147,678

PAVEMENT FINISHER original Filed July 22, 1957 e sheets-sheet s ll: 306250 l1 D502 2% (280 236 [T "1 l' -l m 2955 2a@ 29T/'iwf' 5 16o (232 25g)22'8 jfj 1.92 u 20a 24a nr 244 A 130 190 o o "1 o 5 I 242 .(240 y 1 I 5o 15e zo@ l o o 132 .19o 8G 19o zo@ 15e INVENTOR. WML/AM H 5w/5 Jafar/1as Sept. 8, 1964 w. H. LEWIS PAVEMENT FINISHER 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 OriginalFiled July 22, 1957 i 201i; l T 7x l' /ll '5 214 Sept. 8, 1964 w. H. LEwls PAVEMENT FINISHER 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed July 22, 1957 INENTOR.

Sept. 8, 1964 w. H. I Ewls PAVEMENT FINISHER 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 OriginalFiled July 22, 1957 United States Patent i957. This appncaaan Aug. as,rss2, ser. No. 224,271 is crains. rei. 94-4s) The present inventionrelates generally to the eld of road building and more particularly to anovel and improved pavement finisher.

When concrete roads, airport runways and other fiat concrete surfacesare laid, it is common to form the lanes or sections of the surface inseparate parallel lengths. The sides of each lane or section areinitially defined by a pair of parallel steel side form members betweenwhich the paving material is poured. Each side form rests upon theground and is formed at its upper end with a socalled treadf The latterreceives the wheels of the various paving, surface finishing and othermachines which travel along the side forms during the preparation of thepavement. 'I'he side forms are generally made up of a large number ofcomparatively short lengths, a cornmon length being l feet. Inasmuch asthe ground upon which the side forms are laid may not be exactly level,the individual lengths of side forms will likewise not be perfectlylevel. The heretofore-proposed surface finishing machines for the pavingmaterial, however, tend to work the surface of the paving material tothe same level as the tops of the side forms. Accordingly, it oftenoccurs that the finished surface of the paving material is not in factlevel.

It is a major object of the present invention to provide a pavementfinisher capable of working a paved surface to an exact level, eventhough the side forms between which the pavement is laid are not exactlylevel.

It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide animproved pavement finisher having a pair of screeds which undergoconcurrent horizontal reciprocation in opposite directions. Thesescreeds are suspended from the intermediate portion of a comparativelylong frame having front and rear wheels which ride upon the side forms.Forwardly of these screeds the frame supports a unique transverseshoveling device which distributes paving material across the front ofthe screeds. Rearwardly of the screeds the frame supports a transagularfloat that acts as straight edge to impart a smooth finish to theconcrete surface which has previously been leveled by the oppositelyreciprocating screeds. Rearwardly of the transangular float the framesupports a burlap drag attachment which is selectively engageable withthe surface of the concrete, as during the final pass made by thefinisher.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel vibratingattachment for the horizontally reciprocating screed of a pavementfinisher.

An additional object is to provide a novel agitator attachment for thehorizontally reciprocating screed of a pavement finisher.

A further object is to provide a novel transverse shoveling device foruse with a pavement finisher.

A particular object of the invention is to provide a pavement finisherhaving screed means suspended from a comparatively long wheeled framerather than being supported at its ends by the side forms in the mannerof heretofore-proposed pavement finishers.

It is yet another object to provide a suspended screed arrangement for apavement finisher wherein the screed is provided with hinged endportions that Vride upon the side forms. These end portions may beselectively locked relative to the main body of the screeds so as topermit the screed to be supported by the side forms while Working onextreme grade changes.

ice

t is yet a further object of the invention to provide a pavement nisherhaving normally retracted road wheels which may be hydraulicallyextended when it is desired to move the finisher into and out ofoperative position relative to the pavement to be worked.

A further object is to provide a pavement finisher of the aforedescribednature which may be self-propelled along a pair of conventional sideform members.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a pavement finisherof the aforedescribed nature which is simple of design and rugged ofconstruction whereby it may provide a long and trouble-free servicelife.

Yet a further object is to provide a pavement finisher which isfoolproof in operation and which does not require the services of askilled and experienced operator.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description of apreferred embodiment thereof, when taken in conjunction with theappended drawings wherein:

FIGURE l is a perspective view showing a preferred form of pavementfinisher embodying the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of said finisher;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational View of said finisher;

FIGURE 4 is a top diagrammatic view showing the relative positions ofthe various members of said finisher;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on line 5-5 ofFIGURE 4;

FIGURE 5a is a further enlarged horizontal sectional View taken on lineSrl-5a of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 6 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 6 6 of FIGURE 4 andshowing the driving arrangement for the side form-supported Wheels ofsaid finisher;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary top plan view in enlarged scale of a pair ofscreeds employed with said finisher, together with a shoveling devicedisposed forwardly of said screeds;

FIGURE 8 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 8 3 of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 and FIGURE 10 are fragmentary rear views showing the operationof said shoveling device;

FIGURE 1l is a vertical sectional view taken on line 11-11 of FIGURE 7and showing an agitator attachment for the front screed of saidfinisher;

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged vertical sectional View taken on line 12-12 ofFIGURE 11;

FIGURE 13 shows certain parts of said agitator attachment arranged in anoperating position;

FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary enlarged front view taken from the pointdesignated 14 in FIGURE 4 and showing a screed vibrating mechanismembodied in said finisher;

FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary top plan view taken along line 15--15 ofFIGURE 14;

FIGURE 16 is an enlarged vertical sectional View taken along line 16-16of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 17 is a vertical sectional view of the transangular fioat takenalong line 1717 of FIGURE 2 which view has been foreshortened in theinterest of clarity;

i FIGURE 18 is a vertical sectional view taken along line l-IS of FIGURE17, which view has been foreshortened in the interest of clarity; and

FIGURE 19 is a fragmentary top plan view showing the front portion ofsaid transangular float as viewed from the point designated 19 in FIGURE3.

General Arrangement Referring to the drawings and particularly FIGURES 1to 4 thereof, the preferred form of pavement finisher embodying thepresent invention is adapted to be utilized air/,era

in conjunction with a pair of steel side form members 30 and 32 betweenwhich paving material has previously been dumped by a conventionalmechanical spreader (not shown). The pavement nisher includes a rigidframe F having supporting means such as a pair of front wheels 34 and apair of rear wheels 36 for maintaining the frame above the pavement tobe nished. The front and rear wheels are of anged construction wherebythey may ride upon the tops of the side forms, as indicated in FIGURE 1.The frame F carries a front screed FS and a rear screed RS at itsintermediate portion. Forwardly of the two screeds FS and RS the framecarries a shoveling device S that undergoes transverse reciprocationacross the frame so as to effect uniform distribution of the pavingmaterial between the side forms 3d and 32. Rearwardly of the screeds FSand RS and extending past the rear wheels 36 there is mounted atransangular float T that is generally V-shaped in plan form. The rearportion of the frame F supports a burlap drag attachment B. Thisattachment may be selectively raised or lowered relative to the pavementdisposed between the side forms.

The Frame F More particularly, the frame F includes a pair of sidemembers 40 and 42 which are integrally connected by front and reartransverse cross-pieces 43 and 44, as well as various intermediatecross-pieces. The side members 40 and 42 are made up of a number ofbolted-together sections, these sections being separate in order tofacilitate shipping. Additionally, the transverse cross-pieces areremovable bolted to the side members for this purpose. The side membersmay each be longitudinally braced by an upstanding framing structure 48,as shown in FIG- URE 3.

An internal combustion engine 50 is centrally mounted on the frame Fabove the screeds FS and RS. As shown particularly in FIGURE 4, theengine 50 is coupled to a gear box 52. The gear box 52 is in turncoupled to a differential 54. The opposite sides of the differential 54are keyed to a pair of shafts 56 and 5S having their opposite ends keyedto sprockets 60 and 62, respectively. The sprockets 60 and 62 arerotatably supported by the side frame members 40 and 42, respectively.Referring now to FIGURE 6, the sprocket 60 is engaged with the lowerloop of an endless chain 64 disposed inwardly of the side frame member4t). This drive chain 64 encircles idler sprockets 65 and 66 which arejournaled by the front and rear ends of the frame side member 40.Similar sprockets (not shown) are keyed to the supporting shafts ofsprockets 65 and 66. The latter are each encircled by shorter chainloops 67 and 68. These chain loops 67 and 68 encircle driven sprockets69 and 70, respectively, which are keyed to the shafts mounting thefront and rear wheels 34 and 36 supported by the side frame member 411.Similarly, the sprocket 62 is meshed with a second endless chain 72 thatencircles idler sprockets '74 and 76 which drive the front and rearwheels supported by the opposite side frame member 12. In this manner,the engine 5@ is adapted to power the front and rear wheels 34 and 36 soas to effect movement of the pavement nisher along the side forms Stiand 32. The engine 50 is likewise adapted to effect reciprocatorymovement of the front and rear screeds FS and RS, vibratory movement ofthe front screed, an agitator attachment for the front screed andtransverse movement of the shoveling attachment S, as will be describedhereinafter. This engine 511 is also coupled to a hydraulic pump 78, theoperation of which will be fully described hereinafter.

The frame F is provided with a front pair of road wheels 80 and twopairs of side road wheels designated 82 and 84. The construction of eachof these pairs of road wheels is substantially similar, with each of thepairs being carried at the opposite ends of a transverse axle 86. Themidportion of this axle 86 is aixed to the free end of a pivot arm 88.The opposite end of each pivot arm 88- is aiiixed to the midportion of atransverse shaft 911 having its opposite end journaled by the frame F. Acrank 90 interconnects each of the arms 88 with the free end of areciprocating plunger element 94 extending from a hydraulic cylinder 96.The opposite end of each hydraulic cylinder 96 is connected to thehydraulic pump 78 by means of suitable flexible conduits 98. With thisarrangement, the pairs of road wheels 80, 82 and S4 may be moved fromtheir normal retracted position of FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 to an extendedposition (not shown) wherein they support the entire weight of the frameF. In moving from their retracted to their extended position the roadwheels will lift the anged wheels 34 and 36 from the side forms 30 and32.

The Front and Rear Screeds FS and RS The details of construction of thefront and rear screeds FS and RS are shown particularly in FIGURES 7 and8. The front screed FS includes an elongated scraper element 100, theunderside of which is adapted to ride upon the pavement surface beingfinished. The length of the scraper element 11119 is somewhat less thanthe distance separating the side forms 30 and 32. The outer ends of thescraper element 160 are hingedly connected to a pair of shoes 1112 and104 which ride along the side forms 3d and 32. The outer portions of thescraper elements are afxed to the lower end of a pair of upstandingposts 106 and 108. The upper ends of these posts 1116 and 1618 areformed with externally threaded elevation adjustment studs 1119, asindicated particularly in FIGURE 8. The upper portions of the posts 106and 198 are slidably received by sleeves 112 and 113, each formed at thefree end of a pair of hinge elements 114 and 115, respectively. Theopposite end of each of these hinged elements are pivotally aiixed to across-piece 115 of the frame F. In this regard, as shown in FGURE 8, theopposite end of the hinge element 114 is formed with a vertical pivotbar 118 disposed between a pair of strap bearings 12@ secured to theframe cross-piece 116. A similar arrangement is provided for the otherhinge element 115. The threaded stud of each of the posts 1% and 108extend through its respective tube 112 and 113 and receive a pair ofnuts 122, as shown particularly in FIGURE 8. With this arrangement, theweight of the front screed FS will normally be supported by the hingeelements 114 and 115 at a height determined by the adjustment of thenuts 122. As indicated in FIGURES 8, 11 and 12, the scraper element 1110also mounts the lower end of a pair of chains 124, each disposedinwardly of one of the aforementioned posts 196 and 108'. The upper endof these chains 124 are secured to the free end of a reciprocatingplunger element 126 extending from a pair of hydraulic cylinders 128. Asshown particularly in FIGURE 11, the upper end of the hydrauliccylinders 123 are each connected to a racket 1311 formed at lthe upperend of one of the sleeves 112 and 113. The hydraulic cylinders 128 areeach connected to the hydraulic pump 78 by means of flexible conduits132. With this arrangement, the front screed FS may be selectivelyraised and lowered relative to the frame F by the operator.

The rear screed RS is generally similar in construction to that of thefront screed FS. In this regard, the rear screed RS includes a scraperelement 134 identical to the scraper element 1110 of the front screedFS. The outer ends of the scraper element 134 are pivotally affixed to apair of shoes 103 and 105 which ride along the side forms 36 and 32similarly to the shoes 1112 and 1114 of the front screed FS. The scraperelement 134 is provided with a pair of posts 136 and 138 similar to theposts 1416 and 11D8 of the front screed FS. The upper end of these posts136 and 138 are connected to the free end of a pair of hinge elements141B and 142 similar to the aforedescribed hinge elements 114 and 115.The

rear screed RS may also be raised and lowered relative to the frame F bymeans of a pair of hydraulic cylinders 144, each axed at its upper endto the free ends of the hinge elements 140 and 142 and having areciprocating plunger connected to the outer portions of the scraperelement 134 by a chain 146.

It is preferable that the lower end of the aforementioned posts 106,108, 136 and 138 are pivotally secured to the scraper elements 100 and134. Accordingly, as shown in FIGURE 8, the latter elements are providedwith aligned pairs of upstanding brackets 148 having their midportionspivotally connected to the lower end of the posts by means of pivot pins150. The relative angle between the scraper elements 100 and 134 and theposts are controlled by front and rear set screws 152 and 154,respectively, carried by the upper portions of a pair of adjustmentbrackets 156, these adjustment brackets being affixed to the upper legsof strap elements 157. The latter are of inverted U-shape having theirlower ends rigidly secured to the front and rear of the scraper elements100 and 134. The opposite ends of the adjustment screws 152 and 154 areconnected to the opposite halves of a split collar 160 having itsinwardly facing side Walls engageable with the posts 106, 108, 136 and138.

As noted hereinbefore, the front and rear screeds are adapted to undergoconcurrent horizontal reciprocation relative to the frame in oppositedirections. This reciprocation is imparted to the screeds by the engine50 through the aforedescribed gear box 52. Thus, referring to FIG- URES2, 4 and 15, a driving shaft 161 extending from the rear of the gear box52 is keyed to a sprocket 162. This sprocket 162 is engaged with a chain164 which encircles a driven sprocket 166. The latter sprocket 166 iskeyed to a driven shaft 168 supported between adjoining crosspiece 170and 172 of the frame F. The front end of the driven shaft 168 is keyedto a front crank 174 while the rear end is keyed to a rear crank 176.The free ends of the front and rear cranks 174 and 176 are formed withpins 178 and 180, respectively. These pins 178 and 180 are diametricallyopposed relative to the driven shaft 168, as will be clear from FIGURE15. The front pin 178 is pivotally connected to a front connecting rod182 while the rear driving pin 180 is pivotally connected to a rearconnecting rod 184, which pins extend generally horizontally from thedriven shaft 168 towards the frame side member 42, as shown in FIGURE 2.The opposite ends of the connecting rods 182 and 184 are of reduceddiameter and slidably extend through a pair of drive sleeves 186 and188, respectively. These drive sleeves 186 and 188 are aflixed to therear side of the outer portion of the front and rear screeds, as will beclear from FIG- URES 7 and 14. Nuts 187 are mounted upon the outermostends of the connecting rods 182 and 184. A pair of coil compressionsprings 190 are carried by the outer portion of the connecting rods 182and 184 at either side of the drive sleeves 186 and 188 so as to provide`a resilient connection between these rods and their respective drivesleeves. With this arrangement, the engine 50 is adapted to effectconcurrent horizontal reciprocation of the front and rear screeds inopposite directions.

` Referring now to FIGURES 7 and l1, the construction of each of thescreed shoes 102, 103, 104 and 105 is substantially identical. Each ofthese shoes includes a ilat scraper element 180 that forms acontinuation of the scraper elements 100 and 134. The outer portion ofeach scraper element, however, tapers forwardly in plan view, as will beclear from FIGURE 7. A pivot brace 182 extends upwardly and inwardlyfrom the upper surface of each scraper element 180, this brace 182 beingrigidly axed to the upper surface of its respective scraper element. Theupper end of each brace arm 182 is pivotally supported between a pair ofupstanding ears 184 by a horizontal pivot pin 186. The ears 184 arerigidly joined at their lower ends to the scraper elements 100 and 134of the front and rear screeds, respectively. With 'this arrangement, theshoe 102 can normally pivot upwardly from its position of FIGURE 11, ina clockwise direction relative to the scraper element of its respectivescreed. It should be particularly observed, however, that the shoe 102can be locked against movement relative to the front screed FS by meansof a toggle link 188. This toggle link 188 is journaled by the outer endof either screed and its midportion is formed with an abutment pad 190while its front portion is formed with an operating handle 192. When theoperating handle 192 is pivoted counter-clockwise relative to itsposition of FIGURE 11, its abutment pad 190 will engage a set screw 194carried by the intermediate portion of the pivot brace 182 so as to lockthe shoe 102 against upward pivotal movement relative to the scraperelement of its respective screed.

With continued reference to FIGURE 7 and with additional reference toFIGURE 8, it should be noted that the strap elements 157 of the frontand rear screeds have their front and rear upper corners interconnectedby a plurality of transversely extending turnbuckles 200. Since thescraper elements and 134 of the front and rear screeds are flexible itis possible to manipulate these turnbuckles 200 so as to impart adesired curvature to the front and rear screeds when viewed from thefront. Accordingly, the scraper elements 100 and 134 may be arranged toany desired conguration necessitated by the crown of the pavement beingfinished.

The Agtator Attachment of the Front Screed rl`he agitator attachment Aof the front screed FS is particularly disclosed in FIGURES 7, 8 and 11through 13. This agitator attachment A includes a plurality ofupstanding tooth elements 202 which are transversely spaced across thefront of the front screed FS. These teeth 202 are vertically movablebetween their upper or retracted position of FIGURE l1 and theirextended position of FIGURE 13. When so extended they will engage theupper surface of the concrete and effect the agitation thereof so as toreduce segregation of the course surface aggregates. In this manner moreuniform surface textures can be obtained. Each of the teeth 202 isslidably arranged within an upstanding tube 204 having its lower endaxed to the forward portion of the scraper element 100. A Washer 206 isatxed to the upper end of each tooth 202 and a coil compression spring208 is interposed between the upper end of each tube 204 and the washer206. The upper ends of each of 'the teeth 202 are in vertical alignmentwith a vertically movable presser bar 210. At transversely spaced pointsalong its length the presser bar 210 is pivotally connected to the upperend of a link 212 as shown particularly in FIGURES l1 and 13. The lowerend of the link 212 is pivotally connected to the free end of theshorter arm 214 of a generally L.shaped crank 216. The longer arm 218 ofthis crank has its free end pivotally connected to a rod 220 slidablycarried by the upper end of the front screed FS by means of a pin 222.One end of this rod 220 is secured to a hydraulic cylinder 226 mountedat the top of one side of the front screed FS. This hydraulic cylinder226 is connected to the hydraulic pump 78 by suitable fittings. Movementof the rod 220 between its position of FIGURES 11 and 13 will serve toetect downward movement of the presser bar 210. Such downward movementof the presser bar 210 will effect concurrent downward movement of theteeth 202 whereby they will be moved into their extended position ofFIGURE 13. Forwardly of the agitator attachment A the front screedmounts a conventional strikeolf plate 230.

T he Vibrator Attachment of the Front Screed The front screed FS is alsoprovided with a vibrator attachment generally designated V- and adaptedto impart a vibratory motion to the front screed when desired. Thisvibrator attachment V is shown particularly in FIG- URES 5, 5a and 7,and includes a horizontal transverse shaft 240 which is journaled uponthe scraper element 10d by a plurality of strap bearings 242. This shaft240 is keyed to a plurality of generally cylindrical off-center weights244. Rotation of the shaft 240 will thus effect concurrent rotation ofthese oif-center weights 244 so as to impart vibratory motion to thescraper element i60. Rotation is imparted to the shaft 240 through aplurality of pulleys 24S keyed thereto at one side thereof. The pulleys248 are encircled by a plurality of belts 250, which belts 250 alsoencircle a set of driving pulleys 252, a set of fixed idler pulleys 254and a set of clutch pulleys 256. The driving pulleys 252 are keyed to adrive shaft 258. As shown particularly in FIGURE 5a, the end of thisdrive shaft 258 is splined to receive a dog-type clutch 260. The driveshaft 25S is coupled to the engine 59 through a power take-olf unit 266whereby it undergoes rotation concurrently with the drive shaft of theengine. The iixed idler pulleys 254 are rotatably affixed to one side ofthis take-olf unit 260. The clutch pulleys 256 are journaled by theintermediate portion of a lever 262 having one end pivotally secured tothe power take-off unit 260 by a pin 264. The free end of the lever 262is constantly biased downwardly by a tension spring 266 having itsopposite end secured to a bracket 263 of the frame F. With thisarrangement, the tension of the belts 250 may be readily adjusted bychanging the effective force of the spring 266.

The Transverse Shovelng Device S The details of the transverse shovelingdevice S are shown particularly in FIGURES 7 through l0. This device issupported upon the frame F immediately forwardly of the front screed FSby a pair of transverse cross-pieces 280 and 282. As shown in FIGURE 8,the cross-pieces 28@ and 232 are generally C-shaped in verticalcrosssection so as to rotatably receive two pairs of rollers 234 and286. These pairs of rollers 284 and 286 are keyed to opposite ends ofaxles 288 and 299, respectively. These axles 258 and 29@ are mounted atthe upper end of a carriage member 292. As shown particularly in FIGURES9 and 10, the midportion of this carriage member 292 is formed with apair of longitudinally extending tubes 294 and 296. Below these tubesand centrally thereof the carriage member 292 is formed with a sleeve298. A pivot pin 306 extends through this sleeve 298 so as to pivotallyconnect the upper end of a shovel member 392 thereto. A longitudinallyextending bar 304 is aixed to one side of the lower portion of thecarriage 292. As shown particularly in FIGURES 7 and 8, this bar 304projects forwardly of the front cross-piece 289 so as to pivotallysupport one end of a drive lever 396. The opposite end of this drivelever 366 is pivotally affixed to a looped chain 308 disposed forwardlyof the cross-piece 239. A vertically extending guide 310 for the drivelever 306 is mounted at the side of the carriage member 292 opposite thebar 304.

The looped chain 358 is supported below the frame F by a plurality ofrollers 312. Referring to FIGURES and 16, the chain 368 encircles adrive sprocket 314 that is keyed to a shaft 316 journaled below a framecrosspiece 318. As indicated in FIGURE 16, the front portion of theshaft 316 carries a clutch sleeve 320 to which is keyed a sprocket 322.This clutch sleeve 320 is caused to mesh with a complementary drivenclutch element 324 by a lever 326. The clutch sprocket 322 is encircledby a chain 325. As shown in FIGURE 4, this chain 328 encircles asprocket 33) that is keyed to the front end of an idler shaft 332. Therear end of this idler shaft is keyed to a sprocket 334. This sprocket334 is encircled by a chain 336, which chain encircles a second sprocket338. This sprocket 338 is keyed to the afore-described shaft 161extending from the rear of the gear box 52.

With this arrangement, the looped chain 308 will be caused to follow thepath indicated in FIGURES 9 and 10, i.e. the upper bight will movetowards the right relative to the frame F when viewed from the rear,while the lower bight moves towards the left. Since the free end of thedrive lever 366 is pivotally aixed to the lower bight of the chain 308,it will pull the carriage member 292 to the left. Referring to FIGURE 9,it should be particularly noted that a pin 295 is disposed within thetube 294. This pin 295 abuts the adjacent upper end of the shovel member392. Hence, the latter is locked against pivotal movement in acounter-clockwise direction away from its vertically extending positionof FIG- URE 9. The shovel member 302 will therefore spread the pavingmaterial 303 disposed adjacent its lower portion from right to leftrelative to the frame F.

Referring now to FIGURE 10, when the lower bight of the chain 39Sreaches the left end of the frame F, it will reverse its direction andcommence movement to the right. The drive lever 306 will meanwhile haverotated from its position of FIGURE 9 to that of FIGURE 10. Accordingly,the carriage member 292 will then be pulled towards the right side ofthe frame, as viewed from the rear. It should be particularly noted thatthe right-hand tube 296 does not contain a pin, such as the pin 295disposed in the left-hand tube 294. The shovel member 392 will thereforebe free to pivot clockwise away from the vertical as indicated in FIGUREl0. Accordingly, it will not spread paving material from left to rightrelative to the frame. The pin 295 may be shifted from tube 294 to tube296 where it is desired to reverse the direction of pavement spreading.

The Transangular Float T Referring now to FIGURES 1, 2, 3, 17, 18 and19, the transangular oat T is generally V-shaped in plan view with itspointed front end disposed rearwardly of the rear screed RS. The floatmember T includes a pair of straight beams 350 and 352. The rear ends ofthese beams 35i@ and 352 lterminate slightly inwardly of the side forms30 and 32. Preferably, the beam elements 350 and 352 are of metallicconstruction and are reinforced by a plurality of longitudinally spacedbrace straps 353. brace straps are of inverted U-shaped with their lowerends rigidly affixed to the beams. The upper ends of the brace straps353 are interconnected by longitudinally extending tie rods 354. Thesetie rods 354 may be adjusted so as to maintain the straightness of thebeams. The front portions of the beams 35d and 352 are connected by ahorizontal bar 366i. The midportion of this bar 36@ is pivotallyconnected to Ithe rear end of a plunger element 36S that extendsdownwardly and forwardly from a hydraulic cylinder 370. The upper end ofthis hydraulic cylinder 370 is pivotally connected to a longitudinalbrace 372 extending between transverse frame cross-pieces 44 and 172.Suitable exible conduits 374 connect the hydraulic cylinder 379 with thehydraulic pump 78.

The intermediate portion of the bar 360 is also pivotally aiiixed to thelower end of a tension link 33t? that extends forwardly and upwardlyrelative to the frame F. The upper end of this tension link 380 ispivotally connected to the frame cross-piece 172. The intermediateportions of the beams 350 and 352 are pivotally connected to the lowerend of a pair of forwardly and upwardly extending tension links 382 and334. The upper end of these tension links 382 and 384 are pivotallyconnected to outer portions of the rear frame cross-piece 44. Atransverse bar 385 interconnects the beams adjacent the tension links382 and 384. With this arrangement, the transangular float T can beraised relative to its lowered pavement engaging position of FIGURE 1yby retracting the plunger 368 within its hydraulic cylinder 376. Suchmovement of the plunger 368 will effect the rearward and upward swingingmotion of the transangular iioat T.

T he Burlap Drag Attachment B Referring again to FIGURES 1 and 2, theburlap drag attachment B includes a transversely extending mounting bar390 disposed rearwardly of the transangular float T. The outer portionsof this mounting bar 390 are rigidly affixed to the rear ends of a pairof lifting rods 392 and 394. The front end of these lifting rods 392 and394 are pivotally afiixed to the rear of the rear frame crosspiece 44outwardly of the tension links 382 and 384. The intermediate portion ofthese lifting rods are pivotally affixed to the lower end of a pair ofreciprocating plungers 396 .and 398, respectively, which extend from apair of hydraulic cylinders 400 and 402. The upper end of thesehydraulic cylinders 400 and 402 are pivotally aliixed to the upperportion of a pair of upright braces 404 and 406, respectively, havingtheir lower ends rigidly affixed to the rear frame cross-piece 44.Suitable flexible conduits 408 interconnect these hydraulic cylinderswith the hydraulic pump '78. The mounting bar 390 is afxed to the frontend of a burlap web 410. This burlap web 410 may be raised and loweredrelative to the pavement surface being finished by means of thehydraulic cylinders 400 and 402.

Operation In the operation of the aforedescribed pavement finisher theengine 50 will drive the side form-supported wheels 34 and 36 so as tomove the finisher along the side forms. The shovel member 302 of thedevice S will spread the paving material from one of the side formstowards the opposite side form. The front screed FS then engages the wetpaving material and tends to smooth its upper surface to the desiredelevation. During this time, the teeth 202 of the agitator attachment Amay be disposed in their extended position of FIGURE 13. Additional- 1y,the vibrator attachment V may be operated if desired. Therefore, therear screed will engage the paving material and tend to level its uppersurface.

In this regard it should be particularly observed that lthe individualadjoining lengths of side forms may not be exactly level. If the shoemembers 102, 104 and 105 of the front and rear screeds were rigidlyattached to the scraper elements 100 and 134 of the screeds and thusrode along the side forms 30 and 32, the screeds would tend to conformthe upper surface of the concrete to the uneven level of the side forms.With the pavement finisher of the present invention, however, the s'hoes102, 103, 104 and 105 are pivotally secured to the ends of the screeds,and accordingly, these shoe members may ride along the side forms whilethe scraper elements 100 and 134 remain suspended from the frame F at atrue level through their connection thereto by means of the post 106 andthe hinge elements 114, 115, 140 and 142. The frame F will always tendto remain at a ktrue level since `its wheel base is longer than thelength of two adjoining sections of the side forms and the front `andrear side form-supported wheels 34 and 36 will therefore always rideupon alternate side form sections. In actual practice, where the sideform sections are approximately 10 feet in length, a pavement finisherhaving a wheel base of approximately 25 feet has proven to provide verysatisfactory results. It should be particularly noted that the shoes102, 103, 104 and 105 may be locked against upward pivotal movementrelative to their scraper elements 100 and 134 by means of the togglelinks 180. In general, it is desirable to lock the shoes relative totheir scraper elements so as to permit the screeds to ride along theside for-ms whenever the pavement finisher is working on extreme gradechanges.

After the front and rear screeds FS and RS have brought the uppersurface of the pavement material to a substantially true level, thetransangular oa-t T will impart a smooth finish to this surface. Inorder to provide a further improved surface the burlap web 410 of theburlap drag attachment B may ybe engaged with the paving material.utilized only during the final pass made by the pavement finisher. Inthis regard two to five passes are commonly conducted in a completepavement finishing operation.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that a pavement finisherembodying the present invention is capable of imparting a level andsmooth finish to paving material. The various members of the pavementfinisher are easily controllable by the single operator of the machine.In this regard each of the hydraulically actuated elements may becontrolled by means of a console 420 disposed upon the frame F adjacentthe engine 50. The road wheels 80, 82 and 84 may be easily extended topermit easy positioning of the pavement finisher relative to the sideforms 30 and 32.

While there has been shown and described hereinbefore what is presentlyconsidered to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, itwill be apparent that various modifications and changes may be madethereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scopeof the following claims.

This is a continuation of my co-pending patent application, Serial No.673,450, filed July 22, 1957, and now abandoned.

I claim:

1. A pavement finisher, comprising: a frame; supporting means on saidframe for maintaining said frame above the pavement to be finished;screed means supported by the intermediate portion of said frame andincluding a scraper element; power-operated means on said frame; drivemeans interconnecting said power-operated means and said screed meanswhereby the latter will undergo horizontal reciprocation relative tosaid frame; a strikeoff plate on said screed forwardly of said scraper;a plurality of vertical tubes between said strike-off plate and saidscraper; a tooth in each of said tubes; spring means interposed betweensaid teeth and said tubes constantly biasing said teeth upwardly; and apresser bar carried by said screed above said teeth and movabledownwardly thereagainst so as to overcome said springs and lower saidteeth into a pavement-engaging position.

2. A pavement finisher, comprising: a frame; supporting means on saidframe for maintaining said frame above the pavement to be finished;screed means supported by the intermediate portion of said frame andincluding a scraper element; power-operated means on said frame; drivemeans interconnecting said power-operated means and said screed meanswhereby the latter will undergo horizontal reciprocation relative tosaid frame; a strikeoff plate on said screed forwardly of said scraper;a plurality of vertical tubes between said strike-off plate and saidscraper; a tooth in each of said tubes; spring means interposed betweensaid teeth and said tubes constantly biasing said teeth upwardly; apresser bar carried by said screed above said teeth and movabledownwardly thereagainst so as to overcome said springs and lower saidteeth into a pavement-engaging position; a shaft journaled by saidscraper element; a plurality of off-center weights keyed to spacedpoints along said shaft; and means connecting said power-operated meansto said shaft so as to impart rotation thereto.

3. A pavement finisher for use in finishing pavement laid between a pairof generally longitudinally extending side forms comprising: a frame;supporting means on said frame for maintaining said frame above thepavement to be finished; screened means supported at a predeterminedelevation by the intermediate portion of said frame, said screed meansincluding a transverse scraper element having a length smaller than thedistance between said side forms; a pair of side form-engaging shoes,each shoe forming a transverse extension of an end of said scraperelement; and connecting means pivotally securing the end of each of saidshoes proximate said scraper element to the adjacent end of said scraperelement whereby said shoes may ride along the upwardly-facing surfacesof said side forms undergoing pivotal movement about a hori- Generally,the burlap drag attachment is l l zontal axis of rotation relative tothe ends of said scraper element and independently of the elevation ofsaid scraper element.

4. A pavement finisher for use in finishing pavement laid between a pairof generally longitudinally extending side forms comprising: a frame;supporting means on said frame for maintaining said frame above thepavement to be finished; screed means supported at a predeterminedelevation by the intermediate portion of said frame, said screed meansincluding a transverse scraper element having a length smaller than thedistance between said side forms; a pair of side form-engaging shoes,said shoes being disposed at the ends of said scraper element andextending over said side forms; connecting means movably securing eachof said shoes to the adjacent end of said scraper element whereby saidshoes may ride along the upper surfaces of said side forms with theirouter ends free to undergo vertical movement relative to said scraperelement; and selectively engageable lock means that lock said shoesagainst vertical movement relative to the ends of said scraper element.

5. A pavement finisher for use in finishing pavement laid between a pairof generally longitudinally extending side forms comprising: a frame;supporting means on said frame for maintaining said frame above thepavement to be finished; screed means supported at a predeterminedelevation by the intermediate portion of said frame, said screed meansincluding a transverse scraper element having a length smaller than thedistance between said side forms; a pair of side form-engaging shoes,each shoe forming a transverse extension of the adjacent end of saidscraper element and extending over said side forms; connecting meanspivotally securing the end of each of said shoes proximate said scraperelement to the adjacent end of said scraper element whereby said shoesmay ride along the upwardly-facing surfaces of said side forms free toundergo pivotal movement about a horizontal axis of rotation relative tothe ends of said scraper element; and selectively engageable lock meansthat lock said shoes against vertical movement relative to the ends ofsaid scraper element.

e 6. A pavement finisher for use in finishing pavement laid between apair of generally longitudinally extending side forms comprising: aframe; supporting means on said Vframe for maintaining said frame abovethe pavement to be finished; screed means supported by the intermediateportion of said frame, said screed means including a transverse scraperelement having a length smaller than the distance between said sideforms; a pair of side formengaging shoes, each shoe forming a transverseextension of the adjacent end of said scraper element; connecting meanspivotally securing the end of each of said shoes proximate said scraperelement to the adjacent end of said scraper element whereby said shoesmay ride along the upwardly-facing surfaces of said side formsundergoing pivotal movement about a horizontal axis of rotation relativeto the ends of said scraper element and independently of the elevationof said scraper element; upstanding post means on said scraper element;hinge means secured to said frame and having their free ends connectedto said posts whereby said screed means may undergo transversereciprocation relative to said frame while being maintained at apredetermined elevation relative to said frame; and elevation adjustmentmeans interposed between said posts and the free ends of said hingemeans.

7. A pavement finisher for use with a pair of side form members, each ofsaid side form members consisting of a plurality of longitudinallyaligned sections of substantially uniform length, comprising: alongitudinally extending frame; a first set of frame supporting means onthe front portion of said frame; a second set of frame supporting meanson the rear portion of said frame, the longitudinal distance betweensaid first and second sets of frame supporting means exceeding twice thelength of l2 an individual side form section; screed means suspended ata predetermined elevation from the intermediate portion of said frame,said screed means including a transverse scraper element having a lengthsmaller than the distance between the side form members; a pair of sideform-engaging shoes, each shoe forming a transverse extension of anadjacent end of said scraper element; and connecting means pivotallysecuring the end of each of said shoes proximate said scraper element tothe adjacent end of said scraper element whereby said shoes may ridealong the upwardly-facing surfaces of said side forms undergoing pivotalmovement about a horizontal axis of rotation relative to the ends ofsaid scraper element and independently of the elevation of said scraperelement.

8. A pavement finisher for use with a pair of side form members, each ofsaid side form members consisting of a plurality of longitudinallyaligned sections of substantially uniform length, comprising: alongitudinally extending frame; a first set of frame supporting means onthe front portion of said frame; a second set of frame supporting meanson the rear portion of said frame; the longitudinal distance betweensaid first and second sets of frame supporting means exceeding twice thelength of an individual side form section; screed means suspended at apredetermined elevation from the intermediate portion of said frame,said screed means including a transverse scraper element having a lengthsmaller than the distance between the side form members; a pair of sideformengaging shoes, one of said shoes being disposed at an adjacent endof said scraper element; connecting means movably securing each of saidshoes to one end of said scraper element whereby said shoes may ridealong the upwardly-facing surfaces of said side form members, with saidshoes being free to undergo vertical movement relative to said side formmembers independently of the elevation of said scraper element; andselectively engageable lock means that lock said shoes against verticalmovement relative to said scraper element.

9. A pavement finisher for use with a pair of side form members, each ofsaid side form members consisting of a plurality of longitudinallyaligned sections of substantially uniform length, comprising: alongitudinally extending frame; a first set of frame supporting means onthe front portion of said frame; a second set of frame supporting meanson the rear portion of said frame, the longitudinal distance betweensaid first and second sets of frame Vsupporting means exceeding twicethe length of an individual side form section; screed means suspended ata predetermined elevation from the intermediate portion of said frame,said screed means including a transverse scraper element having a lengthsmaller than the distance between the side form members; a pair of sideform-engaging shoes, each shoe forming a transverse extension of anadjacent end of said'scraper element; connecting means pivotallysecuring the end of each of said shoes proximate said scraper element tothe adjacent end of said scraper element whereby said shoes may ridealong the upwardly-facing surfaces of said side forms undergoing pivotalmovement about a horizontal axis of rotation relative to the ends ofsaid scraper element and independently of the elevation of said scraperelement; and selectively engageable lock means that lock said shoesagainst vertical movement relative to said scraper element.

l0. A pavement nisher, comprising: a frame; supporting means on saidframe for maintaining said frame above the pavement to be finished;screed means supported by the intermediate portion of said frame andincluding a scraper element; power-operated means on said frame; drivemeans interconnecting said poweroperated means and said screed meanswhereby the latter will undergo horizontal reciprocation relative tosaid frame; a strike-ofi plate on said screed forwardly of said scraper;a plurality of vertical tubes between said strikeoff plate and saidscraper; a tooth in each of said tubes; spring means interposed betweensaid teeth and Said tubes constantly biasing said teeth upwardly; apresser bar carried by said screed means above said teeth and movabledownwardly thereagainst so as to overcome said springs and lower saidteeth into a pavement-engaging position; and means interposed betweensaid frame and said screed means to effect vibration of said screedmeans and hence of said teeth.

1l. In a pavement finisher having a frame, a shoveling device,comprising: a carriage member; mean supporting said carriage member formovement across said frame in a plane transverse to the direction ofmovement of said pavement nisher; means on said frame for moving saidcarriage member across said frame in said plane; a shovel pivotallysecured to said carriage member for swinging movement in said plane; afirst tube secured to said carriage member adjacent one side of saidshovel; a second tube affixed to said carriage member adjacent theopposite side of said carriage member; and a lock pin removablydisposable in either said first tube or said second tube so as to locksaid shovel against said swinging movement in one direction, said shovelbeing free to undergo swinging movement in the opposite direction, withthe direction in which said swinging movement takes place beingcontrolled by which of said rst or second tubes receives said lock pin.

12. In a pavement finisher having a frame and poweroperated means, ashoveling device, comprising: a carriage member; means supporting saidcarriage member for movement across said frame in a plane transverse tothe direction of movement of said pavement finisher; an endless chainextending transversely across said frame and operatively connected tosaid power-operated means whereby it may undergo constant linealmovement about a looped path relative to said frame; a drive leverhaving one of its ends pivotally connected to said carriage member andits opposite end pivotally connected to a point on said chain wherebysaid carriage member will undergo transverse reciprocation across saidframe during said lineal movement of said chain; a shovel pivotallysecured to said carriage member for swinging movement in said plane;first and second tubes affixed to opposite sidesof said carriage member;and a lock pin removably disposable in either said first tube or saidsecond tube so as to lock said shovel against said swinging movement inone direction, said shovel being free to undergo swinging movement inthe opposite direction, with the direction in which said swingingmovement takes place being controlled by which of said first or secondtubes receives said lock pin.

13. A pavement finisher, comprising: a frame; supporting means on saidframe for maintaining said frame above the pavement to be finished;screed means supported by the intermediate portion of said frame andincluding a scraper element; power-operated means on said frame; drivemeans interconnecting said power-operated means and said screed meanswhereby the latter will undergo horizontal reciprocation relative tosaid frame; a plurality of teeth positioned along said screed means;means interposed between said frame and said teeth for vertically movingsaid teeth in unison between an upper retracted position above saidpavement and a lower extended position, with said teeth when arranged insaid extended position engaging and agitating the upper surface of thepavement; a shaft journaled by said scraper element; a plurality ofofi-center weights keyed to spaced points along said shaft; and meansconnecting said power-operated means to said shaft so as to impartrotation thereto.

14. A pavement finisher, comprising: a frame; supporting means on saidframe for maintaining said frame above the pavement to be finished;screed means supported by the intermediate portion of said frame andincluding a scraper element; power-operated means on said frame; drivemeans interconnecting said power-operated means and said screed meanswhereby the latter will undergo horizontal reciprocation relative tosaid frame; a plurality of teeth positioned along said screed means;means interposed between said frame and said teeth for vertically movingsaid teeth in unison between an upper retracted position above saidpavement and a lower extended position, with said teeth when arranged insaid extended position engaging and agitating the upper surface of thepavement; and means interposed between said frame and said screed meansto effect vibration of said screed means and hence of said teeth.

15. A pavement finisher, comprising: a frame; supporting means on saidframe for maintaining said frame above the pavement to be finished;second means supported by the intermediate portion of said frame andincluding a scraper element; power-operated means on said frame; drivemeans interconnecting said power-operated means and said screed meanswhereby the latter will undergo horizontal reciprocation relative tosaid frame; a strike-ofi plate on said screed downwardly of saidscraper; a plurality of vertical tubes between said strike-off plate andsaid scraper; a tooth in each of said tubes; means interposed betweensaid screed means and said teeth to move said teeth vertically in unisonbetween an upper retracted position above said pavement and a lowerextended position, with said teeth when in said extended positionengaging and agitating the surface of said pavement; and meansinterposed between said frame and said screed means to effect vibrationof said screed means and hence of said teeth.

16. In a pavement finisher used with a pair of side forms, thecombination of: a frame supported above said side forms; screed meanssupported by the intermediate portion of said frame and including ascraper element; power-operated means on said frame; drive meansinterconnecting said power-operated means and said screed means wherebythe latter will undergo horizontal reciprocation relative to said frame;a plurality of teeth positioned along said screed means; meansinterposed between said frame and said teeth for vertically moving saidteeth in unison between an upper retracted position above said pavementand a lower extended position, with said teeth when arranged in saidextended position engaging and agitating the upper surface 0f thepavement; and means interposed between said frame and said screed meansto effect vibration of said screed means and hence of said teeth.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re.18,455 Carr May 10, 1932 1,265,499 Parrish May 7, 1918 1,306,353Reynolds June 10, 1919 1,447,999 Rathmell Mar. 13, 1923 1,467,243Fitzgerald Sept. 4, 1923 1,522,138 Ord Ian. 6, 1925 1,524,403 MerwinIan. 27, 1925 1,943,076 Jackson Ian. 9, 1934 2,094,910 Baily Oct. 5,1937 2,148,214 Mall Feb. 21, 1939 2,150,618 Blackwell Mar. 14, 19392,180,660 Baily Nov. 21, 1939 2,187,080 Heltzel Jan. 16, 1940 2,194,754Johnson Mar. 26, 1940 2,219,246 Jackson Oct. 22, 1940 2,219,247 JacksonOct. 22, 1940 2,306,124 Jackson Dec. 22, 1942 2,334,717 Long Nov. 23,1943 2,426,703 Millikin et al Sept. 2, 1947 2,542,979 Barnes Feb. 27,1951 2,592,960 Schulze Apr. 15, 1952 2,603,132 Miller July 15, 1952

9. A PAVEMENT FINISHER FOR USE WITH A PAIR OF SIDE FORM MEMBERS, EACH OFSAID SIDE FROM MEMBERS CONSISTING OF A PLURALITY OF LONGITUDINALLYALIGNED SECTION OF SUBSTANTIALLY UNIFORM LENGTH, COMPRISING: ALONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING FRAME; A FIRST SET OF FRAME SUPPORTING MEANS ONTHE FRONT PORTION OF SAID FRAME; A SECOND SET OF FRAME SUPPORTING MEANSON THE REAR PORTION OF SAID FRAME, THE LONGITUDINAL DISTANCE BETWEENSAID FIRST AND SECOND SETS OF FRAME SUPPORTING MEANS EXCEEDING TWICE THELENGTH OF AN INDIVIDUAL SIDE FORM SECTION; SCREED MEANS SUSPENDED AT APREDETERMINED ELEVATION FROM THE INTERMEDIATE PORTION OF SAID FRAME,SAID SCREED MEANS INCLUDING A TRANSVERSE SCRAPER ELEMENT HAVING A LENGTHSMALLER THAN THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE SIDE FORM MEMBERS; A PAIR OF SIDEFORM-ENGAGING SHOES, EACH SHOE FORMING A TRANSVERSE EXTENSION OF ANADJACENT END OF SAID SCRAPER ELEMENT; CONNECTING MEANS PIVOTALLYSECURING THE END OF EACH OF SAID SHOES PROXIMATE SAID SCRAPER ELEMENT TOTHE ADJACENT END OF SAID SCRAPER ELEMENT WHEREBY SAID SHOES MAY RIDEALONG THE UPWARDLY-FACING SURFACES OF SAID SIDE FORMS UNDERGOING PIVOTALMOVEMENT ABOUT A HORIZONTAL AXIS OF ROTATION RELATIVE TO THE ENDS OFSAID SCRAPER ELEMENT AND INDEPENDENTLY OF THE ELEVATION OF SAID SCRAPERELEMENT; AND SELETIVELY ENGAGEABLE LOCK MEANS THAT LOCK SAID SHOESAGAINST VERTICAL MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO SAID SCRAPER ELEMENT.